Small steps can help reduce your family’s carbon footprint –
that all-important measure of a family’s effect on the environment

DeSoto, Kan. (July 8, 2008)  –  Small steps can help reduce your family’s carbon footprint – that all-important measure of your effect on the environment. Still, the average American generates 20 tons of carbon dioxide – a heat-trapping greenhouse gas – every year, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). That’s about the same amount as putting three new cars on
the road in each instance.

Environmentally friendly choices in the grocery store can help reduce the amount of trash your family generates, contributing to reduction of your carbon footprint. For instance, Chinet Classic White and Chinet Casuals Plates are disposable tableware made from 100 percent pre-consumer recycled material, material that would otherwise go into a landfill.

Both lines are certified chlorine-free and are biodegradable in home composting. The process takes about 60 days and the end result is a great base for your flower or vegetable garden. Plus, Chinet Classic White and Chinet Casuals tableware are still microwave safe and available in a variety of sizes.

“Chinet has a heritage we’re proud of in making strong plates that help create strong memories when friends and families gather and a long history of protecting our environment,” said Julie Stoetzer, Chinet Brand Marketing Manager. “We pursue sustainable processes in production through preservation of natural resources because we care about our planet and the impact we have on everything we touch.”

Huhtamaki American, Inc., makers of Chinet products, practices sustainable processes in the production of both consumer and specialty packaging. By using recycled materials in the production of molded fiber products Huhtamaki annually saves:
- Nearly three million trees each year
- One billion gallons of water which is equal to the supply of water for a city of 10,000
- 65 million gallons of oil or the equivalent of 31 million gallons of gas

These green efforts, along with programs to reduce its pollution and power use, have earned Huhtamaki a number of awards, including the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Achievement Award. For more information about Huhtamaki sustainability efforts processes, visit www.mychinet.com/environment.

About the Chinet Brand
Made in America since the 1930s, Chinet disposable tableware has a long history of making strong plates and even stronger memories as friends and family gather. Chinet products give you the strength and style you depend on with the added piece of mind knowing you’re using environmentally friendly products. For more information about Chinet and its family of products, visit www.mychinet.com.

About Huhtamaki
Established in 1920 as a specialty packaging organization, Huhtamaki provides many of the world’s most recognizable consumer goods packaging and foodservice containers, including the retail line of Chinet premium disposable tableware. For more information about Huhtamaki, visit www.us.huhtamaki.com

###

Editors Note: Photos to accompany story available by contacting jenna@snackboxlabs.com.
For more information, contact:
Jenna Gruhala | Snackbox | 773.715.0879
jenna@snackboxlabs.com | AIM: N20Jenna